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The Throwaway Children

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Publisher's Summary

Pam Evans' family saga brings postwar London vividly to life as, amid rationing and food shortages, a young girl finds a passion for growing her own vegetables.

It is February 1945, and April Green and her cousin, Heather, wonder if the war will ever end. Then the local pub in Chiswick takes a direct hit, and April's father is killed in the blast. Life without him is hard to bear, and April and her brother do all they can to help, particularly when their mother announces she is pregnant.

Volunteering to tend her father's allotment, April discovers a passion for growing vegetables. Meanwhile Winnie Benson is coming to terms with her husband's spinal injuries. He may never walk again, and until their son, George, returns from the Merchant Navy, Winnie must run their greengrocer's on her own.

Once the war is over and George is home, things start to improve, but rationing remains in force, and fresh vegetables are hard to find. April's supply of homegrown produce couldn't be more welcome. And before long George can't help wishing he was the apple of her eye....

The Apple of Her Eye written by Pam Evans is one read and listen I would happily recommend to a friend as from the first moment the audio started I was happily listening to April and her love for her family and the place she calls home. No matter what troubles land at her door her strength of character grows and her loyalty to those she loves is held stead-fast throughout.The narrater Julie Maisey is one fabulous narrator who through her soothing voice brings each character alive and as she changes her voice to match each of the characters I could not wait until I could listen to her soothing tones once again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Without doubt April was my favourite character as for a young girl she really stands firm when her mother needs her, she holds her own corner when her dreadful spoiled cousin continues to manipulate her to do as she pleases. As a character her beauty not only shines through her facial features but she is a girl I would love to know as she is beautiful inside and out. No matter what troubles come to her she holds her head and her strength not only supports herself but her family will always be her priority.

Which character – as performed by Julie Maisey – was your favourite?

Julie Maisey is one fantastic narrator as immediately when she changed her tone I knew who she was narrating, she brought the story alive through her accents etc. I loved how she narrated George and his friend Johnny but throughout April was my favourite. I did like how she understood Heather as a character as her voice always had an extra edge to it which left in no doubt what sort of character she was.